Substance Abuse Specialist - Aqn009- Mon - Fri 9Am - 5Pm

A staff member who, in addition to performing routine team duties, has lead responsibility for integrating dual-recovery treatment with the tasks and services of other team members.  The substance use specialist provides and coordinates assessment, treatment, planning, and services for substance use based on the needs of the individual.

1. Conducts assessment of all dual diagnosed program participants to assess areas of need; assists in the development of individual services plans for the dual diagnosis consumer, participates in the bi-annual reviews.
2. Initiates, conducts and follows up the process of periodic drug/alcohol screens; leads or colead psychoeducational/Substance Abuse educational groups; facilitates and monitors participation in various self-help groups including Substance Abuse support groups, NA, AA; guides the coordination of appropriate medical, psychiatric, Substance Abuse services.
3. Meets routinely with the dual diagnosed participants and management team to review goal progress, identifies participants needs and updates program plan; participates actively as a member of inter-disciplinary program planning team.
4. Provides networking and linkages between the programs, mental health providers, and alcohol and drug treatment communities, requires both telephone and face-to-face contact;
5. Develop treatment plans with the input of other members of the ACT team and the consumers.
6. Coordinate case management services in order to ensure comprehensive development of an individual's service plan.
7. Coordinate services with other specialist on the ACT Team, i.e. Family specialist, Employment specialist, Nurse, Case manager.
8. Provides networking and linkages between the programs, mental health providers, requires both telephone and face-to-face contact;
9. Attend and participate in all team meetings.
10. Responsible for input into CAIRS upon admission, bi-annually and discharge.
11. Act as a clinical liaison between the team and outside entities.
12. Document any progress notes in EHR within 48 hours of all client and collateral contacts.
13. Ensure all documentation is completed in a timely fashion and remain in compliance with agency, OMH, and AOT regulation 
14. Assists in the planning, developing and implementation of goals and training to further develop participants' skills, including but not limited to:
    1. Budgeting
    2. Grooming
    3. Nutritional planning
    4. Use of public transportation
    5. Use of community resources                                                                               
    6. Shopping
    7. Housekeeping
    8. Physical health & development
    9. Adaptive behavior/independent living
    10. Nutrition
    11. Vocational development
    12. Social development
15. Acts as a role model for participants; furthers participants in researching and obtaining community resources appropriate and applicable to their needs and goals; follows-up on any aftercare/recommendations for treatment. Escorts/ accompanies participant as needed on appointments (medical, psychiatric, Substance Abuse).
16. Provide crisis intervention and mental health counseling as needed.

Other Responsibilities:

1. Demonstrate ability to: maintain required written documentations; communicate relevant information to other staff and supervisor(s), verbally and in writing.
2. Ability to work flexible schedules as work schedules, trainings and location are subject to change
3. Ability to operate an agency vehicle.
4. Attend all required training's and any relevant to the position or deemed necessary by Team Leader.
5. Participate in activities of other staff members in their absence or during periods of staff shortage.
6. Maintain confidentiality at all times.
7. This does not limit the assignment of duties or exclude the performance of other duties not mentioned as assigned by supervisor, the Team Leader, Deputy Director, Director, and/or Senior Management.
8. Responsible for reporting and documenting all incidents to immediate supervisor within 24 hours.
9. Provide 24-hour/seven day a week emergency coverage via emergency cell phone to provide crisis intervention services after program hours on a rotating basis.

• Master's Degree in social work, mental health or marriage and family therapy or related field.
• Two year's experience working with Mental Health and Substance Abuse consumers preferred.
• Experience working with behavioral health population preferred.
• Computer proficiency, including the ability to use email, navigate and enter all documentation into electronic medical record.
• Valid New York State driver's license - candidates are subject to regulatory background checks